Support Fragmentation and the Decline of Adolescent Subjective Well-being: A Conceptual Framework within Applied Positive Psychology

Description

Deepti Singh¹ and Rashmi Soni² (Department of Education, University of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh¹ and Sri JNM PG College, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh²)

Adolescent subjective well-being (SWB) is increasingly recognized as a foundation for healthy development, resilience, and life satisfaction. Rather than viewing SWB as an individual trait, contemporary positive psychology emphasizes how adolescents interpret experiences, form relationships, and derive meaning. This paper introduces support fragmentation the weakening of coherence across key systems such as family, school, peers, and digital environments as a central factor undermining youth well-being. Drawing on Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory and third-wave positive psychology, it argues that well-being depends not only on personal strengths but also on the harmony among these interconnected systems. When support is misaligned, adolescents face challenges in belonging, identity formation, and emotional stability. Integrating evidence from education, digital behaviour, and mental health, the paper highlights the need for empathetic digital literacy, stronger family school collaboration, and coherent socio-emotional learning. It concludes that adolescent SWB is a shared societal responsibility requiring coordinated, system-wide efforts to rebuild supportive, resilient environments.